ABOUT US
Architects are wizards who are able to combine the clear-cut thought processes of an engineer, the creativity of an artist, the insight and understanding of a psychologist, and the practicality and resourcefulness of those, for example, in the farming industry, into one profession. As it happens in most creative-orientated careers, we believe that every architect is distinctive in their approach and the designs they offer.
Being unique, however, also applies to those who require an architect’s services. At ROOT Architecture, more than anything else, the individuality of our clients and the realising of their particular dreams are the dynamics that guide us when working for them.
OUR VALUES
An imaginative, sustainable and long-term approach is required for the planning and constructing of buildings. These same values also guide ROOT Architecture and integrate with our methodology in the work that we as architects do.
At ROOT Architecture we view the building site, its history and its context as the “root” and starting point of the architectural process. From this, all design principles and processes follow to create a cohesive vision for a building project. But, apart from being functional structures to live or work in, buildings, for us, are manifestations of societies’ cultural identities and, where possible, should portray these cultures in a physical form.
We, therefore, make it our business to engage with our clients on a personal level to truly understand their heritage, values, beliefs and way of life to be able to match our designs with what is of deeper importance to them. And, in the case where the client is not necessarily the end-user – for example in mixed-use developments – we take our approach one step further to make sure that what we do, will comply with the expectations of those who will be occupying the buildings.
We, furthermore, believe in transparency from beginning to end in what we do. Such openness is the key to building relationships with, and establishing a mutual trust between the role players involved – alliances that we care enough about to cherish even long after the project had been signed off.
At the same time, we as architects are eager to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality in architectural design. Few things compare to the delight and gratification that we get from moving beyond the ordinary, yet complying with what was agreed upon for a design project. Some call it innovation. We prefer to refer to it as the ROOT Architecture way of doing things.
But, then again, innovation not invariably means always having to present something which is completely new. With our roots in Africa, we make a point of studying the way that the people of this continent, over many generations, applied their insight and practical approach to architectural designs. From this we learn what worked best for them under Africa’s particular conditions. Applying these tried and tested, sustainable principles in a modern guise as solutions in contemporary buildings, takes innovation one step further – it becomes a manifestation of the approach and the culture of society, reflected in the design of their buildings.
Kunal Matikiti
Director and architect
Kunal is a registered professional architect with over 10 years’ experience in the architectural services industry. Originally from Zimbabwe, he studied and started his career in Australia. He, more recently, moved to Cape Town to bring his passion for architecture back to Africa, and to offer his skills to this continent where his roots are.
Kunal’s energetic and imaginative approach to architecture enabled him to work on a number of project types from multi-residential developments, to institutional, community, aquatics and recreation buildings. In this regard he enjoys working with developers wanting to unlock the full potential of a building site with an eye toward adding value to benefit the wider community.
He is an outgoing and compassionate person who enjoys realising his dreams and help others to do the same. He is happy when he’s dealing with people and communities, when talking to strangers, and when coming across an unexpected song along the way! He believes in making a difference in the lives of others.
Qualifications and membership of professional bodies
- B.Arch, Deakin University, Australia
- M.Arch, Deakin University, Australia
- South African Council for the Architectural Profession – SACAP (PrArch 57730328)
- Architects Registration Board of Victoria, Australia (Architect practising no. 19113)
Frequently-asked questions
An architect is a registered building professional who, in South Africa, should be registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Architects deal with design, space, cost and construction and are professionals who can best help you make informed decisions that can save you time and money on a building project.
Architects usually charge fees as a percentage based on the total construction cost. This can be in the range of 5-12%. This is a historically accurate way of calculating the actual costs the architectural firm incurs and ensures that the architect can service your project appropriately. Be wary of draftspersons and sometimes assumed architects who charge below industry-standard rates, as it could result in only getting what you pay for and not a comprehensive service, likely to be discovered only during construction when problems start to arise.
It is important to have a budget for every project that your design team can work to. Discuss the available budget, as well as possible financial constraints, upfront with them to determine a realistic budget for the project. This will enable your design team to measure and manage expenses according to the milestones set for the project. Bear in mind that, if performance and expenses are not measured, these fundamentals cannot be managed!
At ROOT Architecture we start the process with a project strategy review during which we analyse the site conditions, client requirements, environmental conditions and council bylaws. This information allows us to develop a feasibility report which outlines a rough estimate of the fees for construction, professional fees, council fees, and the cost for the building. This process provides a ballpark idea of the feasibility and the costs of a project even before you start.
We work closely with quantity surveyors who assess our drawings, schedules and specifications at pre-determined stages to ensure that we stay financially on track, to give the client peace of mind as we proceed through the design phases.
The beauty of the concept of sustainability is that it applies to each part of a project. Architects are qualified to ensure sustainability in new building projects and in refurbishing existing ones. This relates to the longevity of the building itself, saving on costs and, very important, benefitting the environment in the long term.
To ensure sustainability, by the way, is one of ROOT Architecture’s key departure points and values when we engage in a project.
Not necessarily. We can do that for you! ROOT Architecture is a full-service architectural firm and offers guidance throughout the design and construction process, including obtaining all necessary permits for planning and construction, if required.
Generally, it takes a few months to take a thoroughly-planned building through the design phases. Depending on external circumstances, obtaining a planning permit can take up to three months for approval and up to two months for building approval.
A planning permit seeks to ensure that buildings on a plot comply with the zoning rules for that area. Zoning rules are in place to ensure that the use of a plot is suitable for the specific area. These zoning rules are set by local authorities’ planning departments.
A building permit, on the other hand, deals directly with a specific building on a plot. It ensures that the building meets the general safety, health and construction standards set out by a country’s national building regulations.
We are a full-service architectural firm able to manage tender processes, and the selection and appointment of contractors. As these are the most critical stages of any project, we generally insist to be involved.
As an additional service, we can produce marketing material such as, amongst others, photo-realistic views of development projects before it is built to increase its sales potential. This service is also available to individual clients who prefer to visualize their projects before starting to build.
Depending on the scale and complexity of a project, you may also need the following consultants:
- Structural/civil engineer
- Building services engineer (mechanical, electrical, hydraulics)
- Landscape architect
- Quantity surveyor
- Land surveyor